The Next Generation of Watchmakers
On March 22, 2026, CD Peacock welcomed nearly 30 aspiring students, ages 8 to 17, to the Mansion for an introduction to the precision, patience and possibility found within professional watchmaking.
Led by Master Watchmaker Gabriel Ehimen, the experience was created to introduce young people from Chicago’s Black community to a highly specialized craft in which Black professionals remain significantly underrepresented.
Gabriel explained that the lack of Black watchmakers is not a lack of talent or interest. For many young people, watchmaking has simply never been presented as a possible career. By opening the workbench and sharing the craft step by step, the afternoon gave students an opportunity to see themselves within the world of horology.
For many of the young guests, it was their first opportunity to see a mechanical watch opened and examined at such close range. Something familiar became extraordinary as they discovered the carefully engineered components working beneath the dial.
Experience the Workshop
Awareness Begins at the Workbench
Showing students a path they may never have encountered
The watchmaker’s bench became a classroom as Gabriel introduced the students to the tools, components and disciplined process involved in servicing a mechanical timepiece.
He shared his belief that awareness must begin with small, deliberate steps. Young people cannot pursue an opportunity they have never been shown, which made the ability to see, ask questions and participate central to the experience.
Rather than simply viewing a finished watch behind glass, the students learned what makes it function. Gears, springs, wheels and screws became part of a carefully organized mechanical system—and watchmaking became a profession they could begin to imagine for themselves.
Lessons from the Bench
Precision is built one careful step at a time
Patience
Watchmaking cannot be rushed. Each component must be handled deliberately, placed correctly and checked before moving to the next step.
Precision
Components measured in millimeters must work together with consistency. Even the smallest adjustment can affect the performance of the entire movement.
Curiosity
The students were encouraged to look closely, ask questions and explore the relationship between mechanics, problem-solving and design.
Inside the Experience
Seeing watchmaking from a new perspective
Throughout the afternoon, students moved closer to the workbench to observe the demonstration, examine components and experience the concentration required to work at such a small scale.
Master Watchmaker Gabriel Ehimen
A personal journey shaped by watchmaking
Born in Nigeria, Gabriel moved to the United States approximately 27 years ago and built a career that ultimately led him to become a Master Watchmaker.
During the workshop, he shared that watchmaking has taken him much farther than he once imagined possible. His story allowed students to see not only the technical side of the profession, but also the opportunities that can grow from developing a specialized craft.
Gabriel also addressed the limited visibility of Black watchmakers in the United States. He emphasized that the issue is not a lack of interest within the Black community, but a lack of exposure, instruction and access to the profession.
Introducing watchmaking early so students know the profession exists and understand that it is open to them.
Building knowledge gradually through small, deliberate steps, patient instruction and hands-on practice.
Demonstrating how technical skill and craftsmanship can develop into a meaningful and rewarding career.
Hands-On Learning
Curiosity at every seat
The small-group setting allowed students to move beyond passive observation. They were able to look closely, engage with the demonstration and begin imagining where an interest in mechanics, design or craftsmanship might lead.
Representation and Opportunity
Students must first see the possibilities available to them
Watchmaking brings together science, mathematics, engineering, art and hand craftsmanship. Yet many young people have never been introduced to it as a potential profession.
The workshop was designed to help close that awareness gap by bringing students directly to the workbench and connecting them with a Master Watchmaker whose own journey demonstrates where the craft can lead.
The students were encouraged to continue learning after the event, researching watches, following their curiosity and exploring watchmaking through the resources and communities available to them.
A single afternoon may not determine a career, but it can introduce an idea, create a connection and allow a young person to imagine a future they had never previously considered.
Building a More Inclusive Future
Expanding who can see themselves in watchmaking
Traditional watchmaking is sustained by people who are introduced to its methods, given an opportunity to learn and encouraged to develop their abilities over time.
Increasing representation begins by making the profession visible to communities that have historically had limited exposure to it.
CD Peacock hosted the experience to help spread that awareness and create a direct connection between young students, professional craftsmanship and the possibilities within horology.
As Gabriel shared with the group, interest can grow once the first introduction has been made. A small beginning can become expertise, a lifelong passion or a career that reaches farther than someone initially imagined.
A Memorable Afternoon
Nearly 30 students. Countless new possibilities.
The experience concluded with students leaving the Mansion with a greater appreciation for the skill behind every mechanical timepiece.
Some may continue exploring watches. Others may be inspired by the engineering, artistic design or careful problem-solving they witnessed. Each left with a clearer understanding that meaningful craftsmanship begins with exposure, curiosity and practice.